Keir Starmer hands Sutton Hoo treasure to French before he's even met Macron

The Bayeux Tapestry will return to England for the first time in 900 years in a swap which will see the Sutton Hoo ship treasures head to France, according to reports.

The swap comes as part of a loan deal for the depiction of the Norman Conquest. The exchange will be officially announced on July 9. The British Museum is the reported recipient of the tapestry, meaning it could host a huge exhibition upon its arrival.

The Telegraph cites sources familiar with the deal, reporting that the swap could involve artefacts from the Sutton Hoo ship burial.

The discovery was made by archaeologists back in 1938, when the ship and numerous artefacts were discovered in East Anglia.

Gold, gems, armour, a ceremonial helmet, a shield, and a sword were among the significant finds, shedding new light on the Anglo-Saxons during a period with scarce historical documentation.

The Bayeux Tapestry has remained in France since its creation immediately after the Norman invasion of 1066.

The medieval creation depicts the events leading up to the invasion led by William the Conqueror, who took the throne from Harold Godwinson, or Harold II.

Harold II is seen on the tapestry taking an arrow to the eye.

Since 1983, the Bayeux Tapestry has been held at the Bayeux Museum in Normandy, which is set to close for two years due to renovation works.

he deal also comes as French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in the UK to meet with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during his state visit.

On Tuesday, King Charles greeted the French President in Windsor for a carriage procession and guard of honour.

According to reports, talks between Mr Macron and Sir Keir will focus primarily on defence and migration as both leaders look to resolve the rise in Channel crossings in recent months.